7 Reasons to Have a Home Security System Even If You Live in a Low-Crime Area

1. Professional Monitoring for Environmental Threats

Cove’s easy-to-install, easy-to-use home security systems provide advanced professional monitoring services that go far beyond intruder detection. They can also detect environmental threats such as water leaks and fires, providing early warnings and potentially saving lives and minimizing damage.

Home Flooding According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), more than 20% of home insurance claims are related to flooding, and the financial implications of home flooding can be staggering. In fact, as stated on fema.gov, just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. That’s a terrifying thought, considering that FEMA also estimates that 98% of basements in the U.S. will experience some type of water damage at one point or another. (Click here to learn what to do after you experience flooding.)

Cove’s water leak detectors are an easy solution to preventing leaks from becoming floods. Simply place them under sinks, near toilets, in basements, and near refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters. When they detect the first few drops of moisture, or dangerously low temperatures that could lead to freezing pipes, they will alert you with an alarm, as well as a notification via the Cove Connect app. In addition, they will alert our 24/7 professional monitoring team, who will immediately reach out to you and your emergency contact list.

House Fires Now let’s take a look at house fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently reported that fire departments across the U.S. respond to about 354,400 home structure fires per year that result in approximately $8 billion in direct property damage—and that’s not including other related costs such as temporary housing, lost wages, and emotional trauma, which can add significantly to the overall burden.

Most of us have smoke detectors, and that’s a great thing! But what happens if you aren’t home to hear it? Or what if you’re home but are unable to call for help? At the first sign of smoke, Cove’s smoke detector will sound an alarm, alert you via the Cove Connect app, and alert our advanced professional monitoring team, who will dispatch authorities if you don’t cancel the alarm or if they can’t reach you within about 30 seconds. (Click here to learn about common household fire hazards.)

2. Protection for Pets

Our furry companions are part of the family, and their safety is a top priority. There are several reasons why pet owners should have a security system, including being able to check in on them—and speaking to them—through security cameras. In addition, environmental monitoring, as discussed above, is an important layer of protection for pets.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 40,000 house pets perish in fires annually in the United States. And the Red Cross reports that about 1,000 house fires are started by pets each year.

3. Faster Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, every second counts.

With traditional security systems, critical information has to be relayed verbally to emergency dispatchers, which can lead to errors and delays. Now, picture a different scenario where this vital data is sent digitally to 911 centers, saving precious seconds and eliminating errors. That’s exactly what Cove’s professionally monitored security system with RapidSOS technology provides—prompt and coordinated responses, ensuring that the appropriate authorities are immediately dispatched. This rapid response can make all the difference in mitigating potential damages or even saving lives.

Used by more than 4,700 911 centers and recommended by 911 dispatchers themselves, RapidSOS covers more than 90% of the US population. It communicates vital information such as precise location, alarm data, individual household details, and even life-saving health information directly to dispatchers. The result? Faster response times and improved resource allocation.

Whether it’s a burglary, fire, or medical emergency, Cove's 24/7 professional monitoring with RapidSOS technology is like a trusted guardian that watches over your home, ready to act swiftly and effectively at the first sign of trouble. And it’s incredibly affordable at less than $1 per day.

4. Lower Insurance Rates

Did you know that many insurance companies offer discounts to homes equipped with security systems? By taking proactive measures to protect your property, you may be eligible for reduced insurance premiums, resulting in long-term savings.

On average, most insurance companies offer a discount of between 2% and 5% on premiums for homes with a security system. However, some homeowners can save up to 15% when they install additional security measures such as environmental monitoring.

Why the savings? Installing a home security system reduces the risk of burglary, vandalism, and other threats, which, in turn, lowers the likelihood of filing an insurance claim. Home security systems reduce these risks through the following methods:

Deterrence: The presence of a security system can deter potential criminals from targeting a home.

Early detection: Security systems can detect threats early, allowing for quicker responses and potentially mitigating damage.

Evidence collection: In the event of a crime, security systems can provide valuable evidence that can help law enforcement solve the case more quickly.

Because Cove’s home security system is both effective and affordable, it can more than pay for itself through the money you’ll save on homeowners insurance discounts.

5. Deterrent for Potential Criminals

Burglary is often a crime of opportunity that lasts less than 10 minutes, with the majority of break-ins occurring during the day when people are at work or school. Sometimes, all it takes is quick access to an unlocked door.

The presence of a security system alone can act as a powerful deterrent to potential criminals. In fact, according to the FBI, 83 percent of burglars check for a security system before attempting a break-in. Furthermore, a home without a security system is up to 3 times more likely to be burglarized, fbi.gov states.

Even if you live in a low-crime neighborhood, it doesn’t mean that burglary isn’t a possibility. There may even be signs that a burglar is casing your home.

6. Protection for Valuables and Property

If a home security system doesn’t deter a would-be burglar, an alarm and quick dispatch of the police can help protect your valuables that hold either sentimental and financial value. According to the FBI, the average property loss in a burglary is more than $2,600.

Cove’s door sensors, window sensors, motion sensors, and glass break detectors, alert both the homeowners and the professional monitoring agents when an entry point is breached and the system is armed. And as mentioned above (see #1), a monitored smoke detector can help minimize damage in the event of a fire.

7. Peace of Mind

Everyone deserves to feel safe. With Cove’s affordable, state-of-the-art security system in place, you can literally rest easy knowing that your home is safeguarded against potential threats around the clock and that help is just moments away. (Click here to read Lexie’s story.)

By investing in a Cove home security system, including advanced professional monitoring for less than $1 per day, you enhance the safety and protection of your home, loved ones, and belongings, as well as enjoy benefits like increased insurance savings and rapid emergency response. So, don't wait for an unfortunate event to occur—take our short quiz to find the perfect home security system today!